Glendora High School was the king of the Sierra League last season. And there’s no reason to think the Tartans won’t find themselves at the top of one of the most competitive leagues in the area again this season.

Glendora’s source of optimism?

Look no further than its backfield, where quarterback Drew Kaluzny, who was stellar in managing the Tartans’ offense last season, and running back Andre Holmes, the team’s home-run threat, return. The offensive line looks strong, while the defense is young, but highly skilled.

“We are very talented,” Glendora coach Mark Pasquarella said. “We lack varsity game experience. We had a very good summer and I think our athleticism will make up for our inexperience.

“If our team continues to work hard, we should be a very good team and I feel very good about our chances of (winning) our league championship.”

But it won’t be easy in a league that traditionally is one of the most competitive in the area.

Ayala and Damien are expected to be Glendora’s biggest challengers. But Chino and Chino Hills, with new coaches, are also strong, while Diamond Bar was one of the most improved units in the area.

“The Sierra League is no joke,” Ayala coach Tom Inglima said. “Glendora, Damien are solid every year. You have new staffs at Chino and Chino Hills, so they will be very motivated and Diamond Bar is coming. It’s a tough league.”

Ayala was 0-10 two years ago, but returned 14 starters from a team that went 7-4 and finished second last season.

Ayala returns receiver David Quiroja, who had 72 receptions, and adds in athletic wide out Obum Gwacham. But quarterback Matt Baca, who passed his way to a scholarship to Northern Colorado, is gone, leaving the chores to Dylan Lada or Caleb Carrillo.

“It never really hit me how close we came to the league title last year,” Ayala coach Tom Inglima said. “But we have our staff intact, 14 returning starters. I like our chances to compete.”

Damien’s strength lies in receiver Taylor Herrera, but the Spartans also look good at running back with Phillip Sainz, on the line with Jake Salter and in the defensive secondary with Jake Vieth.

Damien also breaks in a new quarterback with junior James Guillen.

“We certainly have a team that can contend,” Damien coach Scott Morrison said. “I think we’ll be in the mix. Every week is going to be very exciting.”

Diamond Bar is expected to be in the mix as well. Hunter Warren is one of the top quarterbacks in the area, while Joel Baez, Aaron Bales and Colin Lockett are big targets. Diamond Bar is also solid up front.

“Last year was better than the previous year,” Diamond Bar coach John Martin said. “We were in every game and I think we are better this year. It’s a matter if we can compete in the Sierra League. We hope to compete and see where we end up.”

It’s a transition for the Chino schools as Chino and Chino Hills are both under new leadership.

Chino, a traditional power which has been down in recent years, is hoping to make a resurgence with Greg Setlich, who found success at El Rancho and Don Lugo.

He hopes to do the same at Chino, which is expected to be solid on defense with linebackers Enrique Gama and Anthony Penalber and at running back with junior Jared Taylor.

Chino Hills is also getting used to a new head coach as assistant Derek Bub has replaced area legend Terry Roche.

Steve Ramirez writes about public safety issues including criminal justice and fires in Inland Southern California. He previously covered high schools, college football and motor sports for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune since 1989. He's a big fan of Buddy Holly and loves World War II movies.

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